AN MP has opened a new centre to help long-term unemployed people get into work. 

Batley and Spen Kim Leadbeater MP opened the new Batley office of the Maximus Restart Scheme.

Kim visited the site at Batley Business Park and met local employers, community groups, and Job Centre Plus staff who handle referrals.  

Maximus provides people who have been out of work with up to 12 months of tailored support to overcome barriers, develop new skills, and help them get back into work. 

Through regular contact with all participants, providers develop a strong understanding of people’s employment history, skills, aspirations and support needs to develop the right package to help them. 

This could be bespoke training, the right certificates to take up a job in a different industry, or updating skills such as IT.  

It also helps people access organisations such as Huddersfield-based Proper Job Theatre Group, Batley-based training centre Dip Group, Kirklees Careers, and the charity Smart Works. 

Kim said: “I was pleased to be invited to the opening of the new Maximus employability centre in Batley.

"It was brilliant to see how committed the team are to helping local people into long-term employment.

"It has also created jobs locally, which is always welcome.”